Charlotte Welcomes a New Leader in Commercial Real Estate
In the vibrant city of Charlotte, a fresh chapter is unfolding in the realm of commercial real estate. Steve Rich, a seasoned veteran with an impressive 25 years under his belt, has been appointed as the new global president of the CCIM Institute – a prestigious organization dedicated to educating and empowering commercial real estate professionals around the globe. This exciting news signals not only a significant personal achievement for Rich but also shines a spotlight on the thriving Charlotte market.
Building Connections on a Global Scale
Rich, who currently serves as the senior director of retail services at Colliers in Charlotte, will officially take over the presidency in January. He was sworn in as president-elect on September 29. This role provides Rich with a fantastic opportunity to connect with real estate professionals from various corners of the world, further enhancing the visibility of both Colliers and Charlotte itself.
“I’ll meet people from all over the world, and I get to tell them about CCIM,” Rich shared enthusiastically. “But they also get to hear from me about what I’m working on. It’s dealmaking!” His excitement is palpable as he looks forward to discussing and exchanging insights with peers from diverse markets. He noted that cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, Nashville, and Austin are rapidly becoming hot topics among real estate professionals, a shift from the traditional focus on larger cities such as Washington D.C., Atlanta, and Miami that dominated the conversation when he started in the industry.
A Track Record of Achievement
Rich’s journey in the commercial real estate world has been marked by numerous accomplishments. He earned his CCIM designation back in 2005, further establishing his credibility in the field. He has also held various leadership roles within the organization, including serving as president of the North Carolina chapter in 2012 and later becoming vice president for Region 9, which includes North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama.
“There are 59 chapters around the world, and fortunately, North Carolina has a very strong chapter that is pushing 600 members,” Rich noted. This allowed him to build valuable connections and advocate effectively for issues concerning the industry both at the state and national level.
Community Engagement and Advocacy
Rich’s contributions extend beyond his roles within CCIM. He is also a dedicated member of the Council of Shopping Centers and the National Association of Realtors. Additionally, he served on the board of directors for the Charlotte Region Commercial Board of Realtors from 2013 to 2020, demonstrating his commitment to the local real estate community and his eagerness to mentor others in the industry.
Looking Ahead
As Rich prepares to step into this prominent leadership role, he is not only poised to influence the commercial real estate landscape but also inspire the next generation of professionals. With Charlotte’s economy booming and becoming increasingly recognized on a national level, the city is sure to benefit from Rich’s extensive experience and valuable connections.
In the world of commercial real estate, having someone like Steve Rich at the helm of the CCIM Institute is exciting news for Charlotte and its surrounding areas. As he embarks on this new journey, it will be fascinating to see how his leadership and vision shape the future of the industry, both locally and globally.
